Gender-Inclusive Housing
Sacred Heart University is committed to embracing and celebrating diversity – in all dimensions – as a necessary component of social justice, academic excellence and professional success.
The core value of recognizing the dignity and worth of every human being guides Sacred Heart’s commitment to providing a safe and secure living environment for all its students. Our gender-inclusive housing provides a safe and inclusive community living option for students.
Community standards include:
- Modeling behavior that reflects a positive value and respect for gender as a non-binary construct
- Openness and desire to develop one’s own understanding about gender and sexuality
- Working to create and promote a safe, affirming and inclusive community for all students
- Use of inclusive and socially just language and the names and pronouns of community members
- Education of personal guests about the values and community expectations of the gender-inclusive community
Sacred Heart University will not require any student to disclose the nature of their interest in gender-inclusive housing.
Gender-inclusive housing refers to a housing option in which two or more students mutually agree to live in a gender-inclusive, multiple-occupancy bedroom, suite or apartment.
Gender-inclusive housing supports Sacred Heart University’s commitment to embracing and celebrating diversity – in all dimensions. Gender-inclusive housing acknowledges the diverse needs of the student body and helps to develop a positive campus community that is respectful and inclusive for all residents.
First-Year and Transfer Students
First-year and transfer students may indicate an interest in gender-inclusive housing on their housing application through the housing portal. After indicating an interest in gender-inclusive housing, each individual student will meet with our staff and work on a case-by-case basis to identify housing options and an assignment that aligns with the student’s needs. The Office of Residential Life makes every effort to meet the requests of all students but can make no guarantee of being able to do so.
Returning Students
Members of the rising sophomore, junior and senior classes have the opportunity to choose their own room assignments through the spring housing lottery process. Students will need to indicate an interest in gender-inclusive housing on their housing application through the housing portal. Any student who wishes to take advantage of the gender-inclusive housing policy has the option to choose a roommate or roommates of any sex or gender. All housing options for rising sophomore, junior and seniors have private bathrooms that are gender-inclusive within the suite or apartment.
Gender-inclusive housing is not intended for romantic couples. As a general rule, we would strongly advise against doing so. We respect and honor the privacy of our students, so current procedures do not require students to disclose their reason for roommate requests. However, please note that the Office of Residential Life strongly encourages students to reconsider living with a person with whom they are romantically involved. Some relationships are ready for this step while others are not, and there can be serious challenges for all students should the relationship end.
Any first-year or transfer student who wishes to be housed in gender-inclusive housing must meet all housing deadlines and indicate an interest on their housing application. Rising sophomore, junior and seniors must complete their housing application no later than one week after the housing deposit due date to be considered for gender-inclusive housing. All requests submitted after the deadlines might not be honored.
Students are encouraged, but not required, to self-select their roommate/s. If you are unable to identify a roommate, Residence Life will pair you with a roommate during the assignment process that will allow for a comfortable living situation for all. Sacred Heart’s housing portal may assist in finding a roommate by matching students who have compatible living traits. Gender-inclusive housing is exclusively for those students who opt into gender-inclusive housing.
Once the roommate mediation process is exhausted and it is determined that one or both students need to move, re-assignment will take place depending on space needs with consideration of housing preferences per the housing application. If a vacancy occurs the currently assigned student(s) have the option to request a specific student to fill the vacancy within five business days. If a new roommate has not been identified within five business days, the Office of Residential Life reserves the right to fill the vacancy.
Students who no longer wish to live in gender-inclusive housing may request a room change at any time directly with their residence hall director (RHD) or the Office of Residential Life. All room change requests are subject to availability of space.
Sacred Heart University Residential Life does not generally communicate directly with families about students’ housing; therefore, it is expected and encouraged that students will communicate with their families regarding their housing assignment.
The Office of Residential Life is prepared to answer questions as it relates to gender-inclusive housing. Submit your questions through email at reslife@sacredheart.edu and our staff will follow up. If you would like to speak with someone directly, call 203-416-3417 during our regular business hours Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.